Lisp is an end [in] itself because of macros i.e., code rewriting. No other [kind] of language has such an extensive, essential, defining feature: easy, straightforward code-rewriting as a foundational feature of the language. Yes, you can do metaprogramming in C++, but templates were not designed for metaprogramming; instead, metaprogramming was discovered to be possible after templates were designed, and only by a twisted exercise in endocrinology. Etc.
since when is Lisp an end on itself? :)
ReplyDeleteLisp is an end [in] itself because of macros i.e., code rewriting. No other [kind] of language has such an extensive, essential, defining feature: easy, straightforward code-rewriting as a foundational feature of the language. Yes, you can do metaprogramming in C++, but templates were not designed for metaprogramming; instead, metaprogramming was discovered to be possible after templates were designed, and only by a twisted exercise in endocrinology. Etc.
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